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From Wikitravel

San Juan del Sur is a port on the Pacific coast of south western Nicaragua.

[edit] Get in

Adelante Express

Adelante Express[1] has a broad offering of transportation and tour services. The hallmark service of Adelante Express is the round-trip shuttles to Granada, San Juan del Sur and Managua. Always looking to provide a more relaxing experience for their passengers, Adelante Express created the Greet and Shop Service, where their knowledgeable chauffeurs meet passengers at the airport with a gigantic cooler and takes them to the best and safest places to buy supplies for their vacation. If residents or travelers have packages that they need delivered anywhere between San Juan del Sur and Managua, Adelante Express has a courier service as well.

Nicaraguan Phone #: 505-8850-6070 [E-mail: http://www.reservations@adelanteexpress.com]

Prices for Normal Trips:

Size of Group: Price: Single Passenger $40.00 Groups of 2 $65.00 Groups of 3 $90.00 Groups of 4 $110.00 Groups of 5 to 8 $120.00 Groups of 9 to 11 $130.00

Schedule for Trips

SJDS to Managua: 7:15 AM 9:30 AM 2:00 PM 4:50 PM

Managua to SJDS: 10:00 AM 1:00 PM 5:00 PM 8:15 PM

Early Bird Prices:

Leaves San Juan @ 3:30 or 4:30 A.M.

San Juan to Managua:

Single passenger $70 Groups of 2 $95 Groups of 3 $120 Groups of 4 $130 Groups of 5 to 8 $140 Groups of 9 to 11 $150

Getting Around From Rivas From Rivas take a taxi or the bus directly to San Juan del Sur. It is about a 1 hour ride. "Colectivo" taxis cost 35 cordobas per person, no matter how full the taxi is. However, that means the driver might try to fill up the taxi before leaving. Taxi drivers are honest as to whether it is a colectivo or not. The easiest place to find taxis from Rivas is from the bus terminal.

In Rivas, there are buses south (to the Costa Rican border), and north to Managua.

[edit] Get around

Get Around SJDS

Walk. The town is small. There are also constant offers of "Taxi, Sir?". Some hotels have shuttle service to other beachs. There are a number of beaches north and south of town. Shuttles or pangas can be arranged through surf shops, or rent an ATV or motorcycle (roads are dirt and frequently in bad condition).

Comfortable Transport around Nicaragua

Adelante Express[2] can provide private tours to a destination of the traveler’s choice. Don’t be shy, just say where you want to go and Adelante will help you plan your trip, book hotels, tours and give you advice on where to eat and great things to explore.

In order to provide a budget option for travelers, Adelante Express offers special prices on a regular basis. Passengers can call ahead of time to see when Adelante has trips booked. If the passengers are flexible and are willing to leave a little earlier or a little later, Adelante offers trips to Managua for $22.00 and trips to Granada for $14.00.

Nicaraguan Phone #: 505-8850-6070 E-mail: http://www.reservations@adelanteexpress.com

[edit][add listing] See

There's many brightly colored houses which land on every tourist's camera but that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to San Juan del Sur's beauty. The waterfront is a joy and small boats bob at anchor in the harbor as pelicans swoop down to perch on their bows. The walk up to the cross overlooking the harbor is an arduous 20-minute trek, but the vistas of the harbor are spectacular. A zip-line canopy tour can get you up into the treetops, and spider monkeys and other natural life abound in the region. There are dozens of spectacular remote beaches both north and south of downtown where pounding surf and dramatic rock formations await the intrepid shutterbug.

[edit][add listing] Do

Hang out, talk, drink, eat. It is very laid back here. Move a bit and you might find a good beach to surf.

Rent bicycles and explore the smaller beaches to the south and north. They cost $5 per day to rent, but are not in very good condition.

Learn Spanish in the local Spanish schools in town, Spanish Ya [3], Nica Spanish [http://www.nicaspanish.com ]and San Juan del Sur Spanish school [4]. All of them with very competitive prices and good experience in organizing the Spansih programs.

Take a day trip water taxi to Playa Madera, north of San Juan de Sur for $8. Sign up at the stand in front of Hotel Estrella. It leaves about 10AM and returns at 4PM. The boat ride is about half an hour. Playa Madera can also be accessed via taxi, that costs around $10-$15 for two people. The drive can be difficult, and you may encounter hills where your cab driver will ask you to get out and walk up the hill. In addition to the beaches to the north of San Jan del Sur, there are some great beaches to the south (including Playa del Coco), which are less accessible but afford more privacy.

There is a light house that no longer resembles a light house. But the point is not the destination, rather the journey. The view of the coast and the bay of San Jan de Sur is amazing. To get there, pass through the small port entrance, find the overseer of the property where the light house is and convince him you won't take pictures of anything. If he lets you pass, keep your promise.

• Beach Front Rentals in San Juan Del Sur offers ATV guided tours through the mountains and to the beaches. If you'd rather go by sea try their 2008 3 seater waverunners. If you have kids, pull them along on their tubes. What a blast! You may contact them at 568-2030 and let the fun begin!! Acroos from the Eskimo Ice cream.

• Bodhin Adventure Services at www.bodhin.com [5] is a local group that provides Holistic Wellness Adventures, Green Yoga Retreats, and Aquatic Getaways such as SCUBA diving, snorkeling and surfing on the best surfing beaches or the largest fresh-water lakes in Central America. (They offer smaller, budget-sensitive activities as well).
• SanJuanSurf (San Juan surf), [6]. This is the definitive surfers travel stop off in San Juan del Sur, South Nicaragua. ...Come check us out!  edit
• The PIER, Beach Avenue (75 meters past Eskimo), ☎ (505) 8901-2202. With a "Gotta Live It Up" motto, The PIER & its Tuani Tours is a one-stop shop for significant things to do in San Juan del Sur that will help make your stay in this tropical paradise an everlasting experience. The friendly bilingual owners & staff take the time to tell you the truth about what is the best bang for your buck based on what you're looking for - whether it be surf trips, horseback riding, sailing charters, scuba diving, fishing adventures, ATV rentals & more. Not only that, The PIER is a "thing to do" in itself - live sports action & free wifi, "Beer Factor" & Cornhole Bean Bag Toss Challenge, open acoustic jams & live music, happy hours & beach bonfires and more. Simply put, what more can you ask for?  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

This is a small town. There are shops and a market area aimed at local needs. You will not find much targeted to travelers. But there's an English library with a café in it, wide range of all kinds of different books, just ask your way around, it's not hard to find.

• Bar Coquito, on the beach 50metres north of Eskimo. 12-late. Bar Coquito is San Juan's original and best Live music venue, with their notorious Open Mic on Thursday nights and live bands Friday and Saturday. Located right on the beach, their menu is a la carte with a great selection of the freshest seafood, nicaraguan favourites and gringo standbys, all priced with the budget conscious traveller in mind. They also offer suprisingly quick (and free) wireless internet with spectacular beach views  edit
• Spanish classes (Rivas spanish school), Anthropological Museum (Rivas city), [7]. The Spanish language school in Rivas uses the method one by one, found one of the best for a quick language learning. We offer classes four hours a day in the morning. During the class the student can interact directly with your teacher which explain the rules of grammar and vocabulary tailored to the needs of the student to practice with other conversations about culture, history and politics of the country, as well as on social issues and various . The school uses special materials for the student to evolve faster in learning the language. The school teachers are highly qualified with unique methods. Grammar, vocabulary and conversation are our effective formula., Classes will be taught only in Spanish and English teacher will use if necessary and that teachers have basic knowledge of English. Students after each class will have four hours of activities in the afternoon from Monday to Friday, for example: visit the beaches near the town, excursions to places of interest, traditional cooking classes, dance and other activities to learn a little more the department and its people in the company of your teacher. Besides the school placed the student in a family home of good manners. During their stay family will provide the student with three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) since it starts program at school. Family members help the student to practice their Spanish and that way get a better adaptation to the language. School programs begin on Saturdays and Sundays when the arrival of the students and be located by the school staff in their family home, to start your class on Monday. The school has bus service for students who wish this service. We offer: Frontera (Peñas Blancas) to Rivas, San Juan del Sur to Rivas, Airport (Managua) in Rivas, Granada to Rivas, Rivas to León. The Spanish language school will also help those students who wish to serve the community or a placement in locating the various social institutions such as orphanages, hospitals, health centers and schools, among others. Rivas spanish school is located in the anthropological museum in the city of Rivas, a majestic residence witnessed in their time of greatest battles to defend the independence of our country. General inhabited this land and farm, which was one of the largest and most strategic properties, situated within the city of Rivas. With three years house-Santa Ursula, for the simple fact of being on foot is a true piece of history. Each of the pieces that make up the authenticity of the era of the mid-seventeenth century. The walls are still being made of adobe and the roof tiles completely. It has a Mediterranean architectural style with some great riders who have heavy wooden pillars supporting the roof, showcasing the rustic lanterns lighting. Enjoy studying in a quiet town full of history, culture and simultaneously practice your Spanish with the help of the friendly people who inhabit this city. So do not miss the opportunity to learn Spanish as a second language in one of the most historic places in Nicaragua will be waiting.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are a string of open air cafe/restaurants along the waterfront. They serve excellent fresh seafood. You get local breakfast offers in the market where there's a few little Sodas in a row.

• Restaurant La Cascada (Located at Piedras y Olas / Pelican Eyes), De la Parroquia 1½ cuadras al este (San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua), ☎ +505-568-2110, [8]. 7AM-10PM daily (bar is open until 11PM). Serving unique international and Nicaraguan gourmet fare, guests are invited to dine al fresco by the pool or at a candlelit, ocean-view table in the open-air dining room overlooking the cobalt-blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner features signature dishes using only the freshest local ingredients. Enjoy fish and seafood fresh from the sea, locally grown garden vegetables, freshly-baked bread, and delicious local and imported meats, handcrafted pastries and desserts. A poolside menu for snacks and light lunches is offered.  edit

• The PIER, Beach Avenue (113 Staggers & Stumbles past Eskimo), ☎ (505) 8901-2202, [9]. The PIER is the only bar / restaurant / beach lounge in SJDS that's literally one step from the sandy beach of the Pacific. Menu options include Western breakfasts, tacos, sandwiches, barbecued hot dogs & hamburgers, fish & chips, ceviche & more. Known for its efficient customer service & personal touch, this spot provides great views of the beach break from every seat in the house & the outdoor beach lounge has a fire to add great ambiance. Basically, there is just something about the vibe at The Pier!  edit

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[edit][add listing] Drink

You are in Nicaragua, so drink Flor De Cana if you like rum. Drink Victoria or Toña if you prefer cervezas bien frias.

• Jerry's pizza, South side of the Central Market (Located in front of the Bus Stop), ☎ 8804-6640. 8am - 10:30pm. Open daily except Monday. Serving the best pizza, pastas, roast chicken, sandwiches and breakfast. A good selection of vegetarian dishes.  edit
• Jerry's Pizza, South of the Central Market (In front of the bus stop), ☎ 8804-6640. 8am - 10:30pm.  edit
• The PIER, Beach Avenue (113 Staggers & Stumbles past Eskimo), ☎ (505) 8901-2202, [10]. Centrally located on the beach & known for its chillaxin groovy vibe, The PIER provides friendly service & a personal touch. You want it and they have it at The PIER – beach chairs & hammocks, free wifi & a big screen tv, acoustic jams & live music, fun games & regular events, happy hours & beach bonfires. Clearly, The PIER is yours to discover!  edit
• Bar/Restaurant Coquito, on the beach 50 metres north of Eskimo. (12-late). Bar Coquito is San Juan's original and best live music venue, with their notorious open mic on Thursdays and live bands every Friday and Saturday. Their menu is a la carte and offers the freshest seafood and a mix of nicaraguan favourites and gringo standbys, all priced with the budget conscious traveller in mind. They also offer free wireless internet and spectacular beach views.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Aventura Lodge, a, ☎ +05 89037622/83585924 (aventurasanjuan@gmail.com), [11]. There are 5 Jungle Suites available from $50 per night, 1 Canopy Apartment from $80 and 4 Tree House beds from $15. Breakfast is included and wireless internet is available. Cable TV and air-conditioning feature in all Jungle Suites and in the Canopy Apartment.  edit

• Bahia del Sol, [12]. Villas and condominiums are within walking distance of the beach in the best residential neighborhood in San Juan del Sur with spectacular views of the bay. Rent by the day, week, or month all of them fully equipped. The two story villas are the epitome of luxury and space. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a big dining table and large terraces let large families or a group of friends spend time together with comfort and privacy. The complex includes a private pool and full hotel service.  edit

• Hotel Estrella. Better avoid this one, it's right on the beach, but the balconies are accessible from each other, and the doors are only lockable from the outside. Some have had to put a stone in front of the door just to keep it shut. There are stories of other people that said they had bats coming in the window, banging against the walls and falling on their beds. Make sure you chose a good room and not those with the balcony. 5 US$ per person per night,.  edit

• Hotel Gran Oceano, (hgoceano@ibw.com.ni). Del parque, 2 c hacia el mar. Among the nicest. They also arrange boat trips.  edit

• Latin Latitudes Bed & Breakfast, Km. 12 Camino Ostional (Playa el Yankee), ☎ 505 8 671 9698 (latinlatitudes@hotmail.com), [13]. Located on Nicaragua's spectacular south Pacific Coast, this B&B offers guests beautiful ocean views within a peaceful setting of tropical gardens, coastal forests and pristine beaches. Full breakfast included. Lunches & dinners available at reasonable cost. Rooms with private and shared baths from $40. Canadian owners.  edit

• Lazy Jakes Guesthouse, Marsella Valley, [14]. Located minutes from the major surfing beach Playa Maderas & walking distance to the quiet secluded beach Playa Marsella. 15 minutes drive from the village of San Juan del Sur. Lazy Jakes Guesthouse offers accommodations for as low as $20US a night. Clean & secure rooms, A/C optional, very friendly hosts.  edit

• Piedras y Olas (Pelican Eyes), De la Parroquia 1½ cuadras al este (San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua), ☎ +505-568-2110, [15]. Located in the charming town of San Juan del Sur on Nicaragua's stunning Pacific Coast, Pelican Eyes…Piedras y Olas is a one-of-a-kind hotel and resort. Offering a distinctive blend of gracious hospitality, luxury accommodations, local charm and community commitment. 150.00+.  edit

• Rayito de Luna, (Middle of the bay, one block from the beach), ☎ +50586587797. checkout: 12:00. Private home with rooms for rent. Located in the Included in the price : Swimming pool, Secure indoor parking, Wireless Internet, A/C, Breakfast etc.  edit

• Surf Zone, surfzonesanjuan@gmail.com, ☎ +(505) 8384-9834 or 8408-4788, [16]. Surf Zone is set around a swimming pool, with gardens and an open plan chill-out area. There are 3 main options: Bed & Board, Surf Camps and Venue Hire. 5 minutes from Playa Maderas. From $45.  edit

[edit] Get out

To leave, head to the market to get a bus or taxi to Rivas. From there buses go either up to the North (Granada, Managua) or south to Costa Rica.

• Popoyo

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!